Sponsors: Ron Stollings

The purpose of this bill is to creates the nonprofit West Virginia Land Stewardship Corporation Act. The bill makes findings, declaring policy and stating its purpose. The bill defines terms. The bill enumerates powers. The bill establishes a board of directors. The bill sets forth responsibilities. The bill provides for underwriting. The bill establishes a state certified sites program. The bill sets forth minimum standards. The bill establishes a land bank program. The bill preserves property values. The bill provides for contaminated property. The bill provides for conflicts of interest. The bill provides a nonwaiver of sovereign immunity. The bill collectively addresses several environmental and economic development programs established to promote the productive reuse of idled and underutilized commercial, industrial and mining properties. The bill supports more efficient use of existing public infrastructure. The bill encourages increased job creation with living wages, renewed community vitality and tax revenue generation while protecting public health and natural resources. The bill provides that obligations of the corporation are not those of the state.